How to Recycle Industrial Cleaning Chemicals
Used degreasers, alkaline cleaners, acid cleaners, and specialty chemicals from manufacturing cleaning operations. Contains recoverable chemicals and metals worth $1-8 per gallon depending on contamination levels. Proper treatment prevents groundwater contamination while recovering valuable materials.
- 1Test pH levels and chemical composition using appropriate test kits
- 2Segregate by chemistry type - acids, bases, and neutral cleaners separately
- 3Document contamination sources and heavy metal content
- 4Store in compatible containers with proper hazard labeling
- 5Keep detailed inventory of volumes and chemical specifications
- 6Test for reactivity between different waste streams
- 7Store in secondary containment systems to prevent spills
- 8Maintain temperature controls to prevent decomposition
- 9Schedule treatment within 6 months to maintain recovery value
- Industrial wastewater treatment facilities
- Chemical recovery and recycling companies
- Metal recovery facilities for contaminated cleaners
- Neutralization and treatment specialists
- Hazardous waste management companies (Clean Harbors, Waste Management)
- On-site chemical treatment systems
Strong acids and bases require neutralization before transport. Some cleaners contain chromium, lead, or other heavy metals requiring RCRA hazardous waste handling. Never mix acids and bases as violent reactions can occur. Phosphate cleaners may contribute to eutrophication if improperly discharged.
Improper disposal causes pH shock in wastewater treatment and surface waters. Heavy metals bioaccumulate in aquatic ecosystems. However, chemical recovery processes neutralize pH, precipitate metals for recovery, and treat organic contaminants, preventing 15+ million gallons of contaminated wastewater annually.
Accepted
- Alkaline parts cleaners and degreasers
- Acid cleaning solutions and rust removers
- Solvent-based cleaning chemicals
- Metal cleaning solutions with valuable metal content
- Off-specification cleaning chemical batches
- Rinse waters from chemical cleaning operations
Not Accepted
- Mixed waste with unknown pH or composition
- Cleaners contaminated with oils >10% by volume
- Radioactive or biological contaminated cleaners
- Cleaners mixed with incompatible chemicals
- Cleaners containing cyanides or other acutely hazardous materials
Estimated value: $1-8 per gallon depending on metal content and contamination; metal recovery can yield $50-500 per ton
- Strong acids (hydrochloric, sulfuric, nitric) causing chemical burns
- Strong bases (sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide) causing burns
- Heavy metals (chromium, nickel, zinc, copper) from cleaning operations
- Organic solvents and chlorinated compounds
- Phosphates contributing to water eutrophication
Can acids and bases be mixed to neutralize each other?
Only by trained professionals with proper equipment. The reaction is extremely violent, generates heat, and can cause explosive boiling. Professional treatment facilities have controlled mixing systems.
What metals can be recovered from cleaning waste?
Copper, nickel, chromium, zinc, and precious metals are commonly recovered. Metal-rich cleaning solutions may have positive value versus disposal costs.
Are there on-site treatment options?
Yes, neutralization systems, metal precipitation units, and oil-water separators can reduce waste volumes and disposal costs. Systems require proper design and operation to meet discharge limits.
How do I determine if cleaning waste is hazardous?
Test for pH (<2 or >12.5), heavy metals above regulatory limits, ignitability, and reactivity. Many industrial cleaners meet hazardous waste characteristics requiring special handling.
Can cleaning waste be discharged to sewer systems?
Only if it meets local pretreatment limits for pH, metals, and other parameters. Most industrial cleaning waste requires treatment before discharge or must be managed as hazardous waste.
What are the benefits of waste segregation?
Separating waste types enables targeted treatment, metal recovery, and cost reduction. Mixed waste typically requires more expensive treatment and disposal options.
Are there cleaning alternatives that generate less waste?
Aqueous cleaners, supercritical CO2, and closed-loop systems can reduce waste generation. However, they may have different performance characteristics requiring process modifications.
What testing is required before disposal?
pH, metals analysis, flash point testing, and compatibility testing. EPA requires waste characterization to determine proper disposal methods and regulatory requirements.